chesterfield activities

Families enjoy immersive experiences at Chesterfield Children’s Festival

Thousands of families attended the second Chesterfield Children’s Festival at the weekend, with children of all ages participating in the weekend’s workshops and activities.

The free two-day event at Queen’s Park was organised by local arts charity, Junction Arts and was funded by Arts Council England.

The line-up included an immersive movie experience, virtual reality swings, Bollywood dancing, an interactive catwalk, family life drawing, circus skills and carnival queens!

Junction Arts Project Coordinator, Jemma Burton said: “Thank you to everyone who came to the Chesterfield Children’s Festival at the weekend!  We had some fantastic activities and performers, but the visitors bring the energy and positivity that makes it so special.  It was great to see local families embracing arts and culture activities: mums and dads dancing along to the Jackson 5, kids improvising with the award-winning Blockbuster Factory and grandparents dressing up as carnival queens!”

“The event aimed to create a welcoming space, where young people and their families could explore art, culture and creativity in an accessible way. We hope that everyone enjoyed it as much as we did and made lots of memories. We’ll see you all again next year!”

A parent in attendance commented: “It has been another fantastic children’s festival, the kids have enjoyed making their sock puppets, we’ve danced, made an imaginary movie, flown like a bird on the virtual reality swings and seen live theatre – right here in Queen’s Park.  It’s such a great event for Chesterfield and local families.”

Junction Arts is an award-winning participatory arts charity, that organises a number of festivals and events, including the Tapton Lock Festival and Bolsover Lantern Parade.

For more information about Junction Arts and upcoming events, visit www.junctionarts.org.

Looking for more exciting events and activities across Chesterfield this Summer? Head over to our Summer in Chesterfield page! 

Junction Arts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield Childrens Festival

 

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Soak up the sunshine at these Chesterfield summer events

Summer is right around the corner, and now is the time to get outdoors and soak up the great British sunshine.

In 2024, Chesterfield has plenty of experiences to share so you can make some lasting memories with your loved ones.

So what are you waiting for? Get these dates saved in your calendar ready for a summer of excitement in our picturesque town!

BRM Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

Drone shot from above of the cricket pitch at Queens Park

 

Get ready for the big Derbyshire vs. Yorkshire game at the stunning Queen’s Park on July 7th.

Derbyshire County Cricket Club will also be hosting an 80s Bash on June 28th during the BRM Festival of Cricket, a brilliant opportunity to get your dancing shoes on.

Chesterfield Pride

Don’t miss out on Chesterfield Pride – it’s one of the biggest events of its kind around here and has yet another packed line-up of pop, dance and of course some of the UK’s best drag acts. Chart-toppers Liberty X and the Cheeky Girls will take the stage at Stand Road Park on July 21st.

Chesterfield Children’s Festival

Chesterfield Childrens Festival 2023 web (20 of 100)

The Chesterfield Children’s Festival will be back after providing fun and entertainment for more than 8,000 people last year. Highlights of the July 27th-28th event include an award-winning immersive street show, where members of the public get to be part of a live movie set.

Chesterfield Market

Peddler Market Chesterfield - family enjoying some food and smiling for the camera

Chesterfield Market will have plenty of special days, catering to foodies, craft lovers and music fans to name just a few. The Craft and Makers Market is returning on June 8th, July 20th, and August 10th, while you can enjoy a feast of street food at Peddler Market once again on July 19th.

Enjoy Chesterfield’s stunning scenery and landmarks

John Varley ll Chesterfield Canal Cruise

You’ll also have a chance to explore our most famous landmark, with a Crooked Spire Tower Tour on selected dates.

If you’re looking to unwind, why not take a trip through our glorious countryside? Bookings are now being taken for the summer on Chesterfield Canal Trust’s iconic trip boats, as are paddlesports sessions for those who are feeling a bit more adventurous.

For those who love getting active, the Chesterfield Cycling Festival is a wonderful way to blow off the cobwebs. The event lasts for a whole week from June 7th-16th and includes rides for all abilities. There is even a pub trail route in Holymoorside – After all, you’ll need to quench your thirst after all that pedaling!

Sample fabulous food and drink

Friends enjoying a cocktails in the sun at Dirty Habit in Chesterfield

 

And let’s not forget our local food and drink scene. Wander down the ‘Brampton Mile,’ Whittington Moor or into town on a weekend, and you’ll see our pubs, bars, and restaurants full of activity. With the European Championships and the Olympics coming up, make sure you book a seat at your favourite venue to soak up the atmosphere.

Many of our pubs and bars have spacious and comfortable beer gardens and outdoor spaces too, meaning you can make the most of the sunshine.

We hope to see you at one of our town’s fabulous events this summer! Don’t forget to head over to www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer so you can truly experience the best of our wonderful area.

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Chesterfield Escape Rooms remains in the UK’s top 10 according to TripAdvisor

Chesterfield Escape Rooms has retained its place in the top 10 escape room attractions across the country, according to TripAdvisor.

The business, which boasts several exciting escape games for people of all ages, has now been in the top 10 list for two years running, making it stand out as one of the best attractions of its type in the country.

Belle Fox, Manager of Chesterfield Escape Rooms, commented: “We are so proud of our whole team that we have managed to remain in the 10 top escape rooms in the country for the second year running.

“We have a massive focus on customer service and customer satisfaction, we want people to really immerse themselves in the experience, most of our games offer some form of interaction with one off our game’s masters, this means we can really get people involved and give them an unforgettable experience.

Since the opening of the venue in 2021, Chesterfield Escape Rooms has grown from originally hosting 3 different games, to now having 7 games to choose from.

Belle continued: “Because we have such a young workforce it’s brilliant to have such an achievement like being in the top 10 in the UK, it shows the team what all their hard work goes towards and what they have achieved.

“We love being a part of the town and hopefully we are bringing something new and fun that everyone can play, we have children as young as 4 play all the way up to 92 years old. Our games really offer something for everyone.

“We head into our 3rd birthday this year so we are celebrating by opening our doors and giving 35 different Charites, schools, organisations and clubs and chance to come and play a game with us completely free on May 19th .”

Find out more about family-friendly activities in Chesterfield and plan your day out in the town here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/family/

Chesterfield Escape Rooms supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Female in black t-shirt stood behind branded Chesterfield Escape Rooms counter

Chesterfield Escape Rooms, Chesterfield town centre

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Date confirmed for return of Redbrik Chesterfield 10K in 2024

Organisers of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K have confirmed the event is set to come back to the town next year and will take place on its new Spring date of Sunday 24th March 2024.

The route will start and finish in Queens Park and will be centred on the heart of Chesterfield, taking in major landmarks such as the town’s famous crooked spire. It will also feature service and cheer stations on the course and start at 10 am.

Full entry into the 2024 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k will cost £25, with Early Bird entry priced at £20 and available until 30 November.

As its name suggests, the Redbrik Foundation is once again the title partner of the 10k event, alongside other charity partners Ashgate Hospice, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and Cavendish Cancer Care. To date, the event has raised over £220,000 for a number of charities and good causes.

The Redbrik Foundation is a charitable trust which supports a number of local organisations each year, primarily seeking to enhance the lives of children and young people, the elderly or vulnerable and those with disabilities.

John Timms, Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k Event Director, said: “We are delighted to be bringing the event back to Chesterfield for a third time in Spring next year.

“When we launched the 10k event back in 2021 it was with a view to deliver a fantastic race for both participants and the local community to engage with and enjoy. To have raised so much money for local charities is a wonderful legacy for the event and one that we are really proud of.

“As event organisers, we once again want to thank event sponsors and partners, and the wider community for their support.

“We also wish to thank our key partners, including Redbrik, as well as Chesterfield Borough Council.”

David Cooper, Trustee of the Redbrik Foundation, said: “We are very proud to support this event, which has so much goodwill from all involved. It has been great to give something back to the town, which has continually supported our estate agency business, Redbrik, since we opened over ten years ago.

“We love this town and we want to see it thrive. Events such as this help to do that, with huge numbers of people coming to Chesterfield from all parts of the country to support, contribute or take part. We can’t wait until 2024 already!”

Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Councillor Tricia Gilby, added: “We are delighted that the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K is being held next year. It is wonderful that the 10K has previously raised so much money for many great causes and we are proud to partner with the event in order to support the delivery of such a brilliant, community focussed event.

“I am very much looking forward to seeing the streets of our town filled with runners and supporters on 24 March 2024.”

To enter the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K visit www.chesterfield10k.com

Keep in touch with the latest updates and announcements on the Redbrik 10K, including the route and road closures in the build-up to the event here.

Redbrik supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Redbrik Chesterfield 10k 2021 873

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Vicar Lane makes further additions to exciting ‘Summer Fest’ schedule

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has added more events and activities to its exciting ‘Summer Fest’ lineup, taking place this July and August.

Visitors can choose from Giant Chess, Connect Four or Table Tennis for a competitive game in the sunshine, before stopping for a bite & relaxing on a deck chair – and that’s not all.

Throughout July and August, alongside events happening around the town centre – they will be hosting a series of free events for all the family to enjoy.

Until Sunday 16th July, Vicar Lane will be serving the best of Wimbledon action on the big screen, whilst visitors can pull up a deck chair in St James’ Square. Spectators will be able to purchase cream teas from The Vintage Tea Rooms and jugs of Pimm’s from Pizza Pi too.

The centre is providing a special treat on Sunday 16th July for National Ice Cream Day – the first 100 customers who visit Vicar Lane’s Ice Cream Van will be able to pick up a free ice cream.

Ahead of the region’s biggest LGBTQ celebration –  Chesterfield Pride – taking place on Sunday 23rd July, visitors are being welcomed to Vicar Lane the day before for vibrant entertainment, roaming around the centre as you shop.

On Saturday 22nd July, from 11am – 4pm, shoppers and visitors can revel with flamboyant ribbon dancers and snap a selfie with sparkling stilt walkers, whilst youngsters can have their face painted and get glitter tattoos throughout the day.

Vicar Lane is also excited to welcome the social media ‘Balloon Globe’ sensation to St James’s Square for kids and grown-ups to experience a bubble full of fun.

On Tuesday 25th July, the popular Medieval-themed fun day makes a return to Chesterfield and Vicar Lane will be hosting live musicians throughout the day as an extra treat for visitors to enjoy.

In August, there’ll be Summer fun days to get involved with, from Crazy Golf to roaming performers complete with singing and dancing.

To see the full schedule of events this Summer Fest at Vicar Lane, visit https://www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk/summer/ and plan your days out.

Sarah Bowler, Tenant and Community Liaison Manager said: We are delighted to continue our events schedule into July and August for families to enjoy over the summer holidays. With Chesterfield Pride and the historic Medieval Market happening so close by – it is set to be a great atmosphere and we are excited to join in the fun and offer a place to come and shop, relax, enjoy and dine out!

Find out more about the wide range of summer events and activities taking place across Chesterfield this summer at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

Wimbledon Vicar Lane Big Screen

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New entertainment and activities announced for the Tapton Lock Festival 2023

Now in its eleventh year, organisers have confirmed that the popular Tapton Lock Festival will return this September with a host of new activities and entertainment for families to enjoy.

The free annual event is organised by Junction Arts and Derbyshire County Council, with the aim of bringing families and friends together to enjoy the outdoors, promoting better health and wellbeing.  During the weekend, the Chesterfield Canal comes alive with outdoor theatre, music and dance, arts and crafts workshops, stalls, ‘have a go’ canoes, boat rides and much more.

Family favourites such as the brilliant bubbleologist, circus skills and climbing wall will return but there’ll also be some new entertainment for 2023 including performances and workshops from Bollywood dancers, African drummers, and the Babbling Vagabonds Magical Market Stall!

Visitors will also be able to try their hand at Lego printing, and greenwood crafts or get green-fingered in a seed workshop.

Junction Arts Coordinator Jane Wells said: “Tapton Lock Festival brings together the arts and the outdoors to create an event that is inclusive and accessible to all.  It encourages communities to come together and enjoy the beautiful canal walkways that are on our doorstep.  Working with Derbyshire Countryside Services, each year we aim to bring back the popular activities but also introduce something new…  This year we’re excited to have new performers and activities that will bring even more colour and vibrancy to the festival.

“At Junction Arts, our aim is to build stronger communities through the arts and The Tapton Lock Festival is a great example of this! The festival raises awareness of the area along the Chesterfield Canal and the network of footpaths and cycleways, encouraging people to spend more time in nature with family and friends becoming healthier and happier.”

As part of the festival, Junction Arts will also be doing community outreach with Brimmington Junior School in July.  Pupils will enjoy a trip to the canal to learn all about the flora and fauna of the canal with a countryside ranger.  In September they will also get to work with a local artist to create a piece of artwork that will be displayed at this year’s festival and complete their Arts Award Discover.

For further community engagement, Junction Arts will also commission an ‘artist in residence’ at Chesterfield Football Club to work with a small group of young people who attend Thr1ve, a social prescribing group for young people, part of the Club’s Spireites Trust.

Tapton Lock Festival is a free event that takes place around the Tapton Lock Visitor Centre on the 9th and 10th of September from 11:00 am until 4.00 pm daily.

For more information about how you can get involved, sponsorship and stall opportunities contact jane@junctionarts.org or hannah@junctionarts.org

Find out about the packed schedule of summer events and activities taking place across Chesterfield throughout the summer: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

Junction Arts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Tapton Lock 2022_Junction Arts_ Photo Credit Nathan Hamer

Image supplied by Nathan Hamer

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Create memories to last a lifetime this summer in Chesterfield

Make memories in Chesterfield this summer – with a packed events line up, including new family festivals, the return of some old favourites and lots of activities that everyone can take part in.

Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield have today launched Summer in Chesterfield, a campaign that will highlight all the fantastic things happening across the town this summer.

The campaign will support the town’s businesses by promoting what is happening in and around Chesterfield on social media, via website content and e-newsletters to communicate to as many residents, visitors and business owners as possible. There will also be prizes to win throughout the summer.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy said: “Chesterfield has so much to offer, that it’s easy to plan fun things to do to make memories with your friends and families. We’ve got some great ticketed events which are new to Chesterfield but also the return of some familiar favourites. But we’ll also be promoting some great free activities and events to help ensure everyone can make memories together this summer.

“We have fantastic parks, lots of places to picnic, markets to wander around and a range of events many of which have no cost attached at all. The popular Medieval Fun Day will include a range of entertainment around the town, and many people return year after year to attend this.”

Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair, said: “This summer is a great opportunity to create memories to last a lifetime in our beautiful market town, while supporting our fabulous independent retailers and venues.

“With an abundance of events and activities coming to Chesterfield to match all tastes, there has never been a better time to support our town and help showcase what an excellent visitor destination we have. Hopefully, we will get a nice dose of sunshine to go with them too!”

Events and festivals

Summer in Chesterfield events

Chesterfield is welcoming back popular events, but there are also some new events to make memories at this summer.

The BRM Solicitors Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, will return to Queen’s Park from 11 – 18 June, with the T20 game on Sunday 18 June expected to sell out once again.

Chesterfield Canal Festival will see all four tripboats in action over the weekend of 24 – 25 June, with two having wheelchair lifts, as well as concerts in the evening canoeing, mini diggers and more.

The Plastic Free Festival returns on Sunday 16 July, where you can learn how to reduce your single use plastic and have a fun family day out with craft workshops, kids entertainment, food, drink, and live performances.

Indulge in street food as well as enjoying live music and bubble magicians at the free two-day Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival which takes place in Queen’s Park from 22- 23 July.

One of the biggest pride festivals in the region, Chesterfield Pride will take place in Stand Road Park once again on 23 July, featuring headline acts A1 and Tinchy Stryder.

The popular Medieval Fun Day is returning to entertain the crowds on Tuesday 25 July, from 10am to 4pm in Chesterfield town centre. The Market Place will be full of stalls selling a range of goods as well as fun and games for children in the same location. Head to the medieval encampment in the grounds of the Crooked Spire Church to see knights in battle or look out for the medieval themed entertainment, including Epico the Dragon, a jester and a Tudor musician, across the town centre.

Celebrate imagination and play at the Children’s Festival, organised by Junction Arts from 29 – 30 July with entertainment to include a circus, story time yoga, silent disco and much more.

For foodies, tribute bands and local musicians, head to Eat in the Park in Queen’s Park from 5 – 6 August.

You can find out more about all the events happening and how you can get involved on the Summer in Chesterfield page: www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer

Great outdoors

Summer in Chesterfield outdoors

If you are a fan of the great outdoors there is a lot to experience from cycling adventures to, big hikes and even paddle sports with many activities being free to go along to.

Chesterfield has a range of organised walks throughout the week that are open to everyone, and two Parkruns for those who fancy something slightly more involved. You can also find local self-led walking routes that will take you into the countryside and Peak District through the Summer in Chesterfield campaign.

Get out on the water with the Chesterfield Canal Trust and try out paddle sports or cruise up the historic canal on one of the trust’s tripboats. You can also take in an unrivalled view of the town and the surrounding countryside with a tower tour at the Crooked Spire.

Shopping and markets

Summer in Chesterfield shopping

Visitors will be able to enjoy one of the country’s leading street food markets when Peddler Market takes over New Square from 23 June – 24 June. Come along to sample award winning street food, craft drinks, music, art, and family activities.

Chesterfield not only has regular markets on Monday, Friday, and Saturdays from 9am to 4pm, but we also have one of the largest flea markets in the country every Thursday. A variety of specialist markets are taking place throughout the year too including the record fair, artisan market, young person’s market, and the vegan market amongst others.

Shopping in Chesterfield is a great experience both in the town centre and just outside on Chatsworth Road and Whittington Moor. We have a number of well-known chain stores, and a fantastic selection of independent retailers who are happy to offer gift advice where needed. The Summer in Chesterfield campaign includes details of 50 independent retailers to try.

Food and drink

Pizza pi

If you are planning a special family meal out, or a night out with friends there are many different food and drink venues in Chesterfield for you to experience.

Check out the Summer in Chesterfield campaign’s blog detailing 50 different restaurants, cafes and bars to try.

For more ideas to make memories with family and friends this summer in Chesterfield, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Popular Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival set to return this September

A popular Walking festival in which participants get to explore some of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire’s most stunning scenery is returning in September 2022.

The fourth Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival will run from 10th to 18th September, with 40 walks on offer varying from a couple of miles, to the full 46 miles of the canal over three consecutive days.

Event organiser, Chesterfield Canal Trust once again believes it to be the largest canal-focused walking festival in the country, with more walks and walkers than any other.

The canal towpath is officially designated the Cuckoo Way and it runs from Chesterfield to the River Trent, through Derbyshire, South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire. There are walks taking place at various locations along its full length.

The Trust’s Cuckoo Way officer, David Blackburn said: “We look forward to seeing old friends again and hope to welcome many newcomers too. We believe that our 46 mile long canal has parts that are as attractive as any in the country. Do take the opportunity to join a walk in an area with which you are not familiar, and you will hopefully be pleasantly surprised.”

This extensive programme covers many popular areas – though perhaps using one or two different paths to previous years.

Some walks will take you through lovely countryside, others have special interest such as architecture and steam trains; one includes a visit to a football stadium. Most of the walks end near a café or a pub, and most are easily accessible by public transport.

No Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival would be complete without the very popular Boats & Boots that combine a walk with a ride on one of the Trust’s trip boats.

The Trust is very grateful to the walk leaders and those who assist them, representing many different groups and organisations, for devising checking and leading the walks. It extends especial thanks to its sponsors – Harworth Group, Canal & River Trust, Derbyshire Grants Programme, Eckington Parish Council and West Stockwith Parish Council.

Anyone wanting to participate in a walk must book in advance, either online or by ringing 01246 477569. All events taking place as part of the festival are free except those that involve a boat trip. More information can be found on the Chesterfield Canal Trust Website at: https://chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk/

Chesterfield Canal Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Ground-breaking role created at Chesterfield FC Community Trust

Mollie Ward is relishing her ground-breaking role as a young people’s physical activity link worker, based in the HUB at the Technique Stadium.

Mollie recently took on the newly-created post, which sees her working with young people aged 14 to 25 who face challenges that prevent them from reaching their full potential.

The role has been created as a result of a partnership between Chesterfield FC Community Trust and Derbyshire Voluntary Action, who have come together to create a brand new social prescribing service for young people in Chesterfield.

Connect to… @ The HUB harnesses Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s experience in running social prescribing services for older adults for the last eight years, with Chesterfield FC Community Trust’s expertise, experience and facilities in supporting health and wellbeing in the community.

Summing up her role, Mollie says: “My job is to provide a person-centred support service for young people, working with them to highlight their interests and strengths, address their challenges, and to help them make the connections they don’t feel able to make by themselves.

“The connections could be to a community-based advice or counselling service, or to something sporty, arty, creative or social. Alternatively, it could be to volunteering, or literacy support, or a combination of several of those things – all of which will give them a strong foundation, positive wellbeing, basic skills and reliable relationships.”

Her new role represents a homecoming for Mollie, who was born in Bolsover and went to Heritage School in Clowne and the sixth form at Brookfield School before gaining a degree in psychology and working in London.

She worked in mental health services during her time in the capital, helping people in supported housing following discharge from hospital.

“For complete independent living, the people I supported needed help with community reintegration and engaging in community activities because often they had complex mental health needs like psychosis, schizophrenia and personality disorders,” Mollie explains.

“My clients were people who had been very withdrawn from society and had had long stays in hospital, some lasting five to ten years.

“My experience in London transfers into this role because you’re talking person-centred care and that’s what this role is about, it’s working with a person holistically, so not just the things that are holding them back, but also the positives.”

Mollie is delighted to have been given the opportunity to take on this new challenge, saying: “I’m really honoured because it is such an exciting thing to be part of what feels like a grassroots project. We really are building this new service from the ground up.

“I’m excited to get started – to have some young people come through the door and be able to work with them and follow their stories.”

Mollie can be contacted by emailing mollie@dva.org.uk or on 07522 023571.

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Love Chesterfield aims to boost the local economy

As lockdown eases, now’s the time to rediscover everything that’s great about Chesterfield – that’s the message behind a new campaign being launched to encourage people to love the town and borough and support local businesses.

The new ‘Love Chesterfield’ campaign has been launched today (Monday 10 May) by Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield, to support the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors as national restrictions continue to ease.

Centred around Chesterfield town centre, and the borough’s high streets and shopping areas, the campaign is encouraging people to seek out Chesterfield’s shops, cafes, bars and restaurants – whether that be revisiting an old favourite or discovering something new.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of the council, said: “Our local businesses have had a year like no other and it’s never been more important that we each do our bit and help support them as best we can as national restrictions continue to ease.

“There’s a lot to love about our town and borough – things we have all missed during lockdown – and that’s exactly what our new Love Chesterfield campaign aims to shine a spotlight on.

“We’ve already seen a positive return of customers to the borough’s high streets and through the Love Chesterfield campaign we will be encouraging everyone to carry on shopping locally and safely.”

The marketing campaign will feature in local magazines and newspapers, and across social media. People will be able to sign up to receive Love Chesterfield news by email, which will include details of local events and ways to get involved. Market Traders will also be giving away special edition Love Chesterfield shopping bags.

Each month there will be the chance to win a gift from a local independent shop by taking part in a Love Chesterfield survey. The prize, worth up to £50, will showcase the great products that can only be bought in Chesterfield town centre.

Love Chesterfield Banner

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, added: “In the town centre alone there are around 200 independent retailers here you’ll find a range of unique, quirky and exciting gifts and products. Add to these retailers the variety of cafes, bars and restaurants that are available and of course the numerous Markets that the town centre supports and there really is something for everyone here.

“As restrictions ease, we are all getting back out, shopping and safely socialising with friends and family once again. There is no better place to do that than on Chesterfield’s high streets, which of course include Hasland, Staveley, Chatsworth Road and Sheffield Road.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “I am delighted that Destination Chesterfield is partnering with the council to develop and deliver the Love Chesterfield campaign.

“Supporting the high streets and the retail, hospitality and leisure businesses that are part of it should be – and is – a team effort. We are all committed to Chesterfield’s high streets thriving long term and the Love Chesterfield campaign is an excellent vehicle for us all to get behind and raise awareness of everything that is great about the town and borough.”

Chesterfield Borough Council was awarded £96,000 from the Reopening the High Streets Safely Fund. Some of this has already funded marketing campaigns such as the successful Christmas campaign and the Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House and is also funding the Love Chesterfield campaign.

Cllr Gilby added: “We’ve used the government funding wisely here in Chesterfield to support businesses and the local economy. We have employed a Covid-19 information officer who has been advising businesses on Covid-19 restrictions and how to operate safely and our dedicated town centre engagement officer has been a lifeline for many retailers and hospitality businesses. Using the funding to promote the town centre and the borough’s high streets has been essential. And it’s paying off – the town centre is busy and it’s great to see new businesses opening too.

“It is now time to talk up Chesterfield. Let’s show our fantastic high street businesses some love.”

Find out more about the Love Chesterfield campaign at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/love-chesterfield

Love Chesterfield Banner

Love Chesterfield is a campaign from Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield with support from the reopening the high street safely fund and the welcome back fund provided by HM Government and the European Regional Development Fund.

Love Chesterfield Partner Logos

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Chesterfield 42k challenge aims to get local people active and outdoors

A brand-new initiative has been launched in Chesterfield which encourages local people to get outdoors and increase their exercise levels, whilst showing off the town’s finest sights and trails.

The 42k Challenge launched by Top Kat Events is made up of seven unique routes, which participants can choose to run, walk or jog in any order and at any time before the end of the year. All you need to take part is a pair of trainers and a smartphone!

There’s plenty of variety among the Challenge routes, which are spread across Chesterfield. They range in distance from 4.5k to 10k and include road, mixed terrain and trail so there’s loads to keep participants interested. Chesterfield 42k Challenge has been designed to be enjoyable and also achievable by anyone, something that is core to the ethos of the Challenge.

Kat Valk, Chesterfield resident who set up Top Kat Events last year during the pandemic and designed the Challenge commented: “I’m really excited to be launching this fun and innovative local challenge. I’m passionate about being outdoors and active and we live in such a beautiful Town.’

“More people than ever are getting active, which is amazing. I wanted to create something that would encourage local residents to get outdoors and take part in a challenge that they can choose to do their own way.”

Kat has set up an event Facebook group to help keep participants motivated and connected. It’s a place where they can share stories, tips and pictures. Keeping with the theme of fun, there will be spot prizes for the pictures that make Kat smile the most!

Kat explains, “Everyone has been hit hard by Covid-19, and we’ve really missed opportunities to connect via shared experiences like sports events. I hope that the Chesterfield 42k Challenge will bring people together (virtually via the Facebook group and in real life on the routes) in a new way.”

Entry to Chesterfield 42k Challenge is via the event website. Once signed up participants will receive full instructions on how to download the routes and the navigation app. Pick a route, pick a day and off you go! Once you’ve finished each route, record your completion time and upload your results to the website. Complete all 7 routes before 31 December 2021 to receive an exclusive finisher’s medal. Entry is open now and the first 100 entries are only £20.

Participants are encouraged to make a donation or raise money for Ashgate Hospicecare, one of many charities that has been hit hard during the last 12 months.

For more information, go to https://topkat-events.co.uk/chesterfield-42k-challenge/

Five Pits Trail- Cycling in Chesterfield

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